White Room

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The White Room provides current information relating to new technologies for energy efficiency. Stay connected with the latest news, events, and scientific breakthroughs in this fast moving sector. Use our filters on the left or click here to send a suggestion for content to add.

When rice is harvested, silica-rich husk is left as a waste product and is commonly used as a fertilizer additive. Scientists in South Korea are researching silica-rich husks as an alternative to graphite electrodes that are currently used in lithium ion batteries.

Scientists have shown that it is possible for bacteria to lie directly on the surface of a metal or mineral and transfer electrical charge through their cell membranes - bringing them a step closer to creating 'bio-batteries'.

Quallion is asking for DOE grant money to produce lithium-ion batteries to power commercial trucks while idling. The company hopes to use this product base to break into the rest of the electric vehicle market.

Start-up Qnovo intends to help customers get the most out of batteries through electronics. Qnovo’s is bypassing new production lines and chemistries and instead improving battery efficiency in existing lines by targeting battery electrochemistry using only electronic controls.

The coming wave of battery-powered vehicles has utilities, oil companies and startups preparing for a significant shift. But the push toward an "electrification tipping point" also presents new challenges.